Things to do in Cheshire summer holidays 2026

The summer holidays are fast approaching so I’ve started putting together posts that will help you out over the 6 weeks. This one is filled with things to do in Cheshire in the summer holidays 2026. I’ve rounded up the best family days out and events in Cheshire this summer. Find more Things to do with kids in the North West summer 2026 here.

If you know of an event I’ve missed please do let me know at info@northwestforkids.co.uk. This guide will be updated up to and throughout the summer holidays.

Please check the event or attraction’s website or social media before visiting to make sure there are no changes or cancellations and to see if you need to book. I have done my best to ensure this page is correct and will update as often as I can but I can not be held responsible for changes.

Ad – This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

National Trust family days out and events

Tatton park

There’s loads going on at Tatton park this summer. Parkland vehicle entry fee is normally £9 per mid-week visit (£10 at weekends) for everyone.  During summer 2025, you can buy a parkland passes for just £20, which means you can visit the Parkland as many times as you wish between 18th July – 6th September 2026. Passes must be purchased online before the 18th August 2026.

Find out more here – Summer parkland pass

Winnie-the-Pooh, Tatton Park

When – 18th July – 6th September 2026

Tatton Park’s farm will host a delightful centenary exhibition and there will be an immersive garden story trail (in the gardens), created in collaboration with HarperCollins Publishers, celebrating 100 years of Pooh and his friends. Perfect for young children, grandparents, and everyone in between, this enchanting summer activity combines outdoor adventure, storytelling, and unforgettable family fun.

Find out more here – Winnie-the-Pooh

Find our review of Tatton Park farm here.

Summer farm adventures, Tatton park farm

When – 28th July – 28th August 2026.

Step into our hatchery and greet the newest fluffy members of our farm family. Get up close and personal – perfect for all ages. Say hello to Little Grey Fergie the Tractor. Snap a picture with this friendly tractor, who can move all by himself!
Gather around for captivating storytelling sessions and discover fascinating facts about farm life. There’s a story behind every corner!

Full details here – Summer of Adventure at the Farm

Additional workshops and events at Tatton park:

Secrets of the Old Hall Tour. 24th July 2026. Book here – Secrets of the Old Hall Tour

Old Hall open days. 28th – 29th July, 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th & 26th August 2026. Book here – Old Hall open days.

Junior Longbow Workshop. 30th July 2026. Book here – Junior Longbow

Winnie-the-Pooh storytelling with Jane Riordan. 1st August 2026. Book here – Winnie-the-Pooh storytelling

Family Smartphone Photography Workshop. 13th August 2026. Book here – Family Smartphone Photography Workshop

Junior Longbow Workshop. 14th August 2026. Book here – Junior Longbow

Secrets of the Old Hall Tour. 28th August 2026. Book here – Secrets of the Old Hall Tour

Summer Country Fayre at the Farm. 29th – 31st August 2026. Full details here – Summer Country Fayre at the Farm

Outdoor cinema. 29th – 31st August 2026. Book here – Outdoor cinema

Summer of play, Quarry Bank Mill

When – 18th July – 1st September 2026

Fourth Floor Play Hub – Let little imaginations soar with soft play, fancy dress, puppet shows, giant board games and more.

Mill Meadow – Explore, build and create with nature bingo, loose parts play, and a maze to race through.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply.

Find out more here – Summer of Play

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Quarry Bank

When – 22nd May – 6th September 2026.

Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.​

Are you ready for a mega adventure?​ Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day.

Full details here – Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail

Other events at Quarry Bank this summer

Outdoor theatre – King Arthur and the Holy Fail. 19th July 2026. Book here – Outdoor theatre – King Arthur and the Holy Fail

Outdoor theatre – Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet double bill. 1st & 2nd August 2026. Book here – Outdoor theatre – Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet double bill

Raddon Hill Clog Morris performance. 16th August 2026. Full details here – Raddon Hill Clog Morris performance

Night-time wildlife walks (age 12+). 24th – 26th August 2026. Book here – Night-time wildlife walks | National Trust

Pokémon joins Lyme’s Summer of Play, Lyme Park

18th July – 6th September 2026

On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play at Lyme with 3 play hubs across site, you can discover an all new Pokémon zone. Get stuck into the Pokémon trading card game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers! Discover more Pokémon zones and mega evolution trails in participating locations.

Full details here – Summer of Play at Lyme | National Trust

Summer of play at Hare Hill

18th July – 31st August 2026.

‘Where does it come from, where does it go, explore the journey of H2O!’ Go with the flow and follow the self-led trail though the gardens at Hare Hill. People and nature need water to survive, so how can we be guardians of the water and look after and protect it? Find out more on a wander to ponder about the wonders of water!

Full details here – Summer of Play: Water Wonders Trail | National Trust

Other events at Hare Hill

Folksy Theatre present: A midsummer night’s dream. 16th August 2026. Book here – Folksy Theatre present: A midsummer night’s dream| National Trust

More family days out and events

Summer of fun and games at Beeston Castle

When – 18th July – 6th September 2026.

Enjoy the fairground activities, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive in to some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream and soak up the summer.

Plus, kids can grab a souvenir passport and collect special stamps to complete their summer adventure.

Included in the admission charge.

Find out more here – Summer of Fun and Games at Beeston Castle and Woodland Park | English Heritage

Afterglow, Chester Zoo

When – 31st July – 16th August 2026. 3pm – 8pm

Full of colour, music, fun – and, of course, animals – we’ve packed so much into these evenings so you get to stay here later, discover even more and enjoy a day to remember.

Find out more here – Afterglow

Adults from £24, Children from £15.01 (3-15 years), toddlers £2.50 (1-2 years).

BeWILDerfest, BeWILDerwood Cheshire

When: 18th July – 31st August 2026

Enjoy up to 25% off ticket prices, brand new stories set to music and an interactive flower power trail and activities. As well as this you can enjoy all the usual BeWILDerwood fin!

Full details here – BeWILDerfest

Read our BeWILDerwood Cheshire review here.

Tegg’s Nose bilberry pick

When – 19th July 2026.

Healthy, organic, tasty and free. Bilberry, blueberry, blaeberry, whin; whatever you want to call them they grow wild all over Tegg’s Nose Country Park and all you have to do is bring a container and get picking.

Totally Wild UK, will be on hand to explain the best places to look and will provide more information about where to source great local food. They’ll also be showing you how to make your own bilberry jam!

There is no charge to join us to pick bilberries during the event but if you would like to participate in the jam making, please book a place for the event so we can ensure we have enough jam pans and sugar.

Book here – Tegg’s Nose Bilberry Pick

Tegg’s Nose butterfly walk

When – 18th July 2026.

Family wildlife walk around the top of Tegg’s Nose Country Park to look for and learn more about some of the park’s resident butterfly species and, if we are lucky, seeing the scarce local speciality, namely, the Wall butterfly.

Book here – Tegg’s Nose Butterfly Walk

Bats at Tegg’s nose

When – 18th July 2026.

Bats are one of the UK’s most misunderstood animals. Join Ranger Martin, and our friends from Cheshire Bat Group, to dispel a few myths and find out more about these fascinating creatures as we take a very short stroll alongside Teggsnose Reservoir and close to Teggsnose Wood.

Book here – Bats at Tegg’s Nose

Tailor-made poems, Tegg’s Nose

25th July 2026.

Drop in, have a short chat to tell poet Jo Bell what you are grateful for today (your friends, the Cheshire countryside, a kind deed – anything small or large) and return half an hour later to collect a poem, written for you on the spot. Free!

Full details here – Tailor-made poems

Meet the longhorns

5th August 2026.

Meet some of our amazing cows and calves with the Countryside Rangers on hand to talk to you about the importance of the cattle in the management of our country parks.

Book here – Meet the Longhorns

Wilmslow Bioblitz, The Carrs

8th August 2026

Join experts discovering the birds, wildflowers, minibeasts and water life that can be found within the park.

Drop-in activities throughout the day include butterfly walks, pond and river dipping, environmental art and wildlife stands in partnership with Mersey Rivers Trust.

Full details here – Wilmslow Bioblitz

Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden. Bents, Warrington

When – 1st July – 6th September 2026.

Towering above you and brought to life with realistic movement, these impressive prehistoric creatures create a truly immersive experience as you journey through the garden.

Around every turn, you’ll come face-to-face with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes, making this an exciting adventure for children and adults alike.

Along the way, stop off at interactive activity tents where children can take part in hands-on challenges and activities, adding even more adventure to the trail.

Book here – Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden

Kenyon hall farm – Details for 2025

Junior Farmers – Summer Adventure, selected date in August. Tickets £7.95. Book here – Junior Farmers – Summer Adventure

Maize maze – Opens now. Takes 20-30 minutes to complete. Tickets cost £3.95 and must be booked in advance. Book here – Maize Maze – Kenyon Hall Farm

Sunflower experience – In August, no details yet.

Find out more here when more details released – What’s On? (kenyonhall.co.uk)

Glebe farm

This is a great free children’s farm to visit. Find out more here – Glebe Farm Astbury

Anderton boat lift visitor centre

Another fantastic free place to visit is the Anderton boat lift and visitors centre. You can even walk to or from Marbury park.

Find out more here – Anderton boat lift visitor centre

In the park: Free Rhymetime, Grosvenor Park

When – 28th July – 13th August 2026. Selected dates.

Join them under the teepee at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, come rain or shine, where the library team will lead fun rhymes perfect for younger children and toddlers.

Full details here – In The Park: Rhymetime

Summer holidays at oxygen, Wilmslow

From 18th July – 31st August 2026

You can buy a summer pass, Valid for 1 hour of jumping per day, every day during six weeks of the park’s designated Summer Holiday period.

Full details here – Oxygen Activeplay Summer Passport To Play

Summer at Norton Priory

When – selected dates

Each Monday and Tuesday in August there are different craft activities to enjoy.

Bat walks – 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August 2026

Medieval weekend – 22nd and 23rd August 2026

Romeo and Juliet, 22nd July 2026

Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, 6th August 2026

William Shakespeare’s As you like it. 13th August 2026

The Jungle Book, 17th August 2026

Full details here – Norton Priory events

The beach at The Lambing Shed

When – from 1st July 2026

This summer there is a giant sand pit, a smaller sandpit for younger children and deck chairs for relaxing.

 £4.95 per child, Under 6 months FREE, Adults FREE

Open Monday–Saturday: 9am–3pm, Sundays: 10am–3pm

Full details here – The Beach – The Lambing Shed

Family fun day, Chester races

When – 2nd August 2026

This raceday really has the community at its heart as we welcome local businesses to host a range of activities for the little ones including fun fairs, inflatable play zones, music workshops, craft activities and much more. 

And don’t forget the best bit… children aged 17 or under go FREE! 

Full details here – Family Fun Day – Racing – Chester Racecourse

Kids go free at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

When – 19th July – 31st August 2026

Children visit free and pick up a free Find & Seek booklet on arrival and head off on a nature-filled quest. Spot butterflies, identify flowers, listen for birdsong, and enjoy the great outdoors with the whole family.

Full details here – Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Free Family Events in Macclesfield market place

When – Every Wednesday, 11am – 3pm at Market Place.

Wednesday 22nd July – Rock Climbing!
Orbis Outdoor Adventure are bringing their mobile climbing walls to Macclesfield to kick off our Do Something Summer programme. No need to book, just turn up on the day and challenge yourself to have a go on their 24ft towers!

This activity is best suited to aged 4+

Wednesday 29th July – Junk Modelling with ArtSpace!
Nothing’s ever wasted at Macclesfield Community ArtSpace! They’ll be bringing their boxes of treasures to Market Place for you to rummage through and turn into something magical!

Wednesday 5th August – Comic Art with Marc Jackson!
Renowned cartoonist and Macc-Pow! founder Marc Jackson is on hand to help YOU find your inner comic artist – all materials will be provided at this drop-in session, just bring plenty of imagination!

Wednesday 12th August – Mad Science!
Mad Science are here to get you excited about science! Get hands-on and make your own slime or learn about the fun side of physics using paper aeroplanes. They’ll also be bringing along TWO amazing interactive shows – filled with big experiments and audience interaction.

Best suited to aged 4+

Wednesday 19th August – Circus School with Let’s Circus!
Lets Circus are back with more chances for you to learn all the skills you need for a life in the Big Top! Try your hand at spinning plates, club juggling, beanbag games and more! There will also be performances from the Lets Circus team to inspire budding entertainers.

Wednesday 26th August – Colour Up!
The flowers are out in bloom but there’s still space for a bit more colour in Macc. Head to Market Place for an epic colouring-in session!

All materials provided, suitable for all ages.

Full details here – Do Something Summer 2026 – Macclesfield Town Council

Free events in Wilmslow parks

Free Climbing wall in the Carrs. 28th July & 12th & 26th August 2026. Full details here – Free Climbing wall in the Carrs

Playground Fun Days in Wilmslow parks. Various dates and locations across August 2026. Full details here – Playground Fun Days in Wilmslow parks

Free outdoor Multisports sessions for ages 7-13 years. Mondays Lacy Green Park, Wednesdays The Pleasure, Gravel Lane. Full details here – Free outdoor Multisports sessions

Room on the Broom meet and greet! Delamere Forest

When – 6th August 2026.

Witch will appear at intervals throughout the day—remember your camera for that all-important selfie!

What’s happening:

• Explore the Room on the Broom activity trail and meet Witch.
• Enter our colouring competition for a chance to win a year’s membership.
• Build your own forest and learn lots of forestry facts with the Forestry England team.
• Face painting.
• Fun activities, storytelling and games.
• Ice cream.

Full details here – Room on the Broom meet and greet!

James Richards circus at Blakemere village

When – 26th – 31st August 2026.

James Richards Circus is a family orientated all human production bringing affordable, live entertainment direct to Blakemere.

The circus has been entertaining audiences across the country for many years, and this year is no exception!

Enjoy comedy, thrills, spills and glamour – a great  production for all the family.

From £8 per person.

Book here – What’s On – Blakemere Village

Free willow walk at Snugburys

Open now, daily

This year’s trail featured some of the favourite straw sculptures from the past 30+ years.

Full details here – Snugburys

The hayloft sunflower maze trail – no details yet for 2026

Where – Sandy Lane, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 3XP

£5 per person including prizes and 2 sunflower stems, under 2’s are free.

PYO sunflowers are £1 per stem. Please bring your own secateurs.

Jump on the train to the sunflower fields or walk. £2 single £3.50 return.

Delicious coffee shop serving Cheshire farm ice cream. Play area and pedal tractors.

Full details here – The Hayloft

Libby’s patch – sunflower field – no details yet for 2026

Where – Shelly Lane, Macclesfield

Sunflowers will open at the end of July. As well as the maze there will be a sandpit, fresh pizza and kids activities.

You can purchase a summer family pass for £35

Book here – Libby’s patch farm

Seven Sisters ice cream farm Maize maze – no details yet for 2026

This popular maize maze in Knutsford is opening on the 19th July for 2025

Open Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays through the summer holidays. Open every weekend through September.

Where – Holmes Chapel Road, Knutsford.

The eccentric ice cream lady has vanished during her greatest experiment yet: inventing the world’s first everlasting ice cream scoop – one that never melts never runs out and tastes like magic.

But Something has gone wrong, her lab has exploded, the ingredients are scattered, and the recipe is lost in the maze

Can you help find the 7 scarecrow secret ingredients before the formula disappears forever?

There are 7 scarecrows hidden in the maze – each one has a name on it which you fill into the spaces on the puzzle card 

The maze takes about 1 hour to complete

Tickets cost £6.50 for everyone 13 and over. £5.50 for children aged 4-12. Family ticket £20

Under 3s go free / Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult

No need to book – tickets available from inside the ice cream parlour!

Full details here – Seven Sisters Ice cream

Cheshire museums and art galleries for families

There’s loads going on at our museums and art galleries this summer. Main of these events are free however donations are always welcome.

Lion Salt Works

Free Self-Led Crafts: Design your own butterfly. 5th – 6th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Design your own butterfly

Free Self-Led Crafts: TBC. 12th – 13th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: TBC

Free Self-Led Crafts: Thaumatropes. 19th – 20th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Thaumatropes

Free Self-Led Crafts: Duck puppet show. 26th – 27th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Duck puppet show

Museum Explorers: Have Fun with Hapazome. 31st July 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Have Fun with Hapazome

Museum Explorers: Plaster of Paris Nature Prints. 7th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Plaster of Paris Nature Prints

Museum Explorers: Codes. 14th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Codes

Museum Explorers: Colours. 21st August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Colours

Museum Explorers: Bath Bombs. 28th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Bath Bombs

Grosvenor Museum, Chester

Free Archeology in the park. 25th July 2026. Full details here – Archeology in the park

Free Self-Led Crafts: Pencil case. 28th – 29th July 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Pencil case

Free Self-Led Crafts: Ammonites. 4th – 5th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Ammonites

Free Self-Led Crafts: Paper plate fans. 11th – 12th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Paper plate fans

Free Self-Led Crafts: Design your own coin. 18th – 19th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Design your own coin

Free Self-Led Crafts: Matchstick frames. 25th – 26th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Matchstick frames

Museum Explorers: Sketchbooks. 30th July 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Sketchbooks

Museum Explorers: Fun with Fossils. 6th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Fun with Fossils

Museum Explorers: Fashionable Photography. 13th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Fashionable Photography

Museum Explorers: Curious Coins. 20th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Curious Coins

Museum Explorers: Magical Multimedia. 27th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Magical Multimedia

Weaver hall museum

Free Self-Led Crafts: Handy sunflowers. 29th – 30th July 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Handy sunflowers

Free Self-Led Crafts: Monster bookmarks. 30th – 31st July 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Monster bookmarks

Free Self-Led crafts. 6th – 7th August 2026. Full details here – Free self-led crafts.

Free Self-Led Crafts: Wish you were here boats. 13th – 14th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Wish you were here boats

Free Self-Led Crafts: Squiggly Snails. 20th – 21st August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Squiggly Snails

Free Self-Led Crafts: Noise makers. 27th – 28th August 2026. Full details here – Self-Led Crafts: Noise makers

Museum Explorers: clay monsters. 29th July 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: clay monsters

Museum Explorers: Recycled Art. 5th August 2026. book here – Museum Explorers: Recycled Art

Museum Explorers: Pop-Up Cards. 12th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Pop-Up Cards

Museum Explorers: Slime. 19th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Slime

Museum Explorers: Musical Instruments. 26th August 2026. Book here – Museum Explorers: Musical Instruments

Catalyst Museum

There are always loads of great science shows and workshops at this fab museum. It’s not a free museum but your ticket lasts for 12 months so you can return again and again.

Desert Island Survival Challenge – 18th – 31st July 2026

Planetarium Show – Summer Activities – 18th July 2026

The planet awakens – 25th July – 7th August 2026

Is Air Really There? summer shows. 1st – 14th August 2026

Sun protection scientists – 8th – 21st August 2026

Bubble trouble – 15th – 30th August 2026

The super cool science show! – 22nd – 30th August 2026

Find my review here – Catalyst Museum, everything you need to know

Full details here – Events – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

Summer at Jodrell Bank

When – 18th July – 31st August 2026.

There’s lots going on at Jodrell Bank this summer.

Mission Create – Little scientists can dive into the weird and wonderful world of quantum science, getting hands-on with everything from shadow theatre to bubble fun!

Daily drop-in. Included in ticket

Mission Explore – Explore the stunning countryside grounds with the site trail! Hunt for stamps to fill your space passport and uncover secrets about the Solar System along the way. The trail booklet is available at the ticket booth.

Mission Play – Step through the stars in the brand-new, constellation-themed playgrounds. Whether they’re climbing Cassiopeia or scaling Cepheus, it’s the perfect place for little imaginations to run wild!

Located next to the arboretum. Included in ticket.

Discover the dish – Get up close and personal with the iconic Lovell Telescope! Join us outside for this bitesize introduction to Jodrell Bank’s famous big dish, filled with fun facts for the whole family.

15 minute outdoor sessions running throughout the day (weather dependent). Included with ticket.

Niyah and the Multiverse – New dome show, If there are countless other universes out there, where does Niyah fit in? With stories swirling in her imagination, Niyah comes face-to-face with her grown-up self, an astrophysicist studying multiverse theories, to embark on a journey across space and time.

Recommended for ages 8+. Every day at 13.00. £5 add-on.

Supermassive black holes: supermassive black holes: uncovering the invisible – New Space Dome Show. Journey to the heart of a black hole in this immersive film, combining state-of-the-art observations and innovative simulations to turn complex astrophysics into an awe-inspiring experience.

Recommended for ages 10+. Every day at 15.00. £5 add-on.

Cosmic Titans – Uncover the extreme corners of our reality in the latest exhibition, Cosmic Titans, on tour for the first time in the North!

From ARTlab Nottingham, Cosmic Titans explores the quantum science behind some of the universe’s biggest questions in a series of spectacular sculptures. How did it all begin? What lies at the heart of enigmatic black holes? And could the multiverse be more than just science fiction?

Find full details and book here – Summer at Jodrell! – Jodrell Bank

Find my review here – What’s at Jodrell Bank for kids

Macclesfield Silk Museum – Summer school of art

1st August – 5th September 2026

Free, drop in.

This summer, immerse yourself in the different techniques and processes taught in the School of Art. From drawing to weaving we will highlight the work of past students and give you the opportunity to get creative.

Full details here – Macclesfield Summer School of Art

Family theatre in Cheshire

Fancy a trip to the theatre?

Dog Man The Musical, Lyceum Theatre

When – 21st – 23rd July 2026.

Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re ten, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and ALL HERO! How hard could it be?

Book here – Dog Man

Tom Gates Epic Stage Show, Lyceum Theatre

29th July 2026.

Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, and brand new for 2026, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes to our theatre bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world! With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show!

Book here – Tom Gates

Tales from Acorn Wood, Lyceum Theatre

When – 1st – 2nd August 2026.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.

Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages. 

Book here – Tales from Acorn Wood

A tribute to Ms Rachel, Lyceum Theatre

When – 9th August 2026.

The UK’s Premier tribute to Global Phenomenon… ‘Ms Rachel’. Bringing her character to life in a fun LIVE show! With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on YouTube, ‘Ms Rachel’ is the biggest viral sensation to hit our children’s screens since ‘Baby Shark!’

Book here – A tribute to Ms Rachel

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, Storyhouse

When – 18th – 19th July 2026.

With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie! There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time?

Book here – Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show

Mini Opera – The Magic Flute, Storyhouse

When – 25th July 2026.

Come with us on a fun, enchanting musical adventure inspired by Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Led by a trio of opera singers and an accordionist, Mini Magic Flute follows a Prince’s search for a Princess, but nothing is quite as it first appears… Join a host of fantastical characters – from a bird-catcher to a dragon! – on this magical adventure. 

Book here – Mini Opera

Tales from Acorn Wood, Storyhouse

When – 4th – 5th August 2026.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.

Book here – Tales from Acorn Wood

Outdoor family theatre Cheshire

Family theatre is even better outdoors in the summertime. There are some great options in Cheshire this summer. Find them all here – Outdoor theatre Cheshire

Outdoor cinema Cheshire

There are loads of outdoor cinema screenings popping up across the region. Many of them are better for teens but some are perfect for kids of all ages. Find our guide to all Outdoor cinema Cheshire here.

Ice cream farms Cheshire

Find all the ice cream farms in Cheshire here. We have so many great ones to choose from!

Visit your local library and join the summer reading challenge

The reading agency’s Summer reading challenge is back and launches officially on the 20th June 2026. Find out more about this great initiative here. 

 Find your nearest library in

• West Cheshire and Chester here, 
• Warrington libraries here and
• in East Cheshire here.

Go to the park

Parks make great days out in the summer. We’re lucky to have loads to choose from across Cheshire.

Many parks in our area even have paddling pools. Find your nearest here – Outdoor paddling pools and splash parks in the North West.

Go for a walk

I have a blog post filled full of Child-friendly walks in Cheshire. It’s a free outdoor family and lets face it we need a few free days out during the summer holidays.

If you have a young child, still in a pushchair then you need my post filled with Pram-friendly walks in Cheshire.

These are some of my favourite Cheshire family walks-

• Marbury park to Anderton boat lift walk
• Alderley Edge walks for families
• Delamere forest Gruffalo trail
• The cloud Congleton

Pick your own strawberries and other fruit

There are loads of places to pick strawberries and other fruit this summer across Cheshire. Fruit picking is a fantastic family summer activity. Find them all here – Pick your own farms in Cheshire

Family festivals Cheshire

Castle Park Live, Frodsham

When – 25th July 2026

Includes music from tribute bands and loads of kid’s activities including arts and crafts, circus skills, bubbles, family comedy and loads more.

Tickets on sale now – Castle Park Live

Adults £36.50, Teens £21, children aged 6-12 £17.25

Deva Fest, Cholmondeley Castle

When – 6th – 8th August 2026.

This is a family-friendly music and food festival. Expect a free funfair, live music and comedy across 5 stages and street food. There are also watersports to take part in, family fun in the new kids kingdom entertainment zone and dinosaurs.

Book here – Deva Fest

Together again festival, Bolesworth Estate

When – 24th – 26th July 2026

Together Again Festival will bring people together through a mix of world-class acts, family-friendly activities and showcase the very best emerging artists. The festival will transform the historic grounds of Bolesworth Castle into a vibrant haven of music and entertainment.

Get 10% off with code NW4K10

Find out more and book here – Together Again Festival – Bolesworth

Find more family festivals across the North West here – Family festivals North West England.

More ideas for things to do in Chesire with kids

If you have children under 5, then this guide might be useful – Things to do in Cheshire with toddlers.

If the weather is wet this summer, you need these ideas for Things to do in Cheshire in the rain

More things to do with kids in the North West summer

I also have a guide to Things to do in Manchester in the summer holidays here.

You might also like my guide to Things to do in Liverpool summer holidays here.

Find more great Family days out North West England here.

Find out where Kids eat free in the North West this summer.

Sharing is caring!